Pic and text taken from
www.autoexpress.co.uk
New S2200 On Tin-top Form
It's fast, stylish and hi-tech - and also the car Honda said it would never design. Auto Express can exclusively reveal the firm is working flat-out on this stunning coupé, which has already hit the test track in Japan.
Sources have revealed the newcomer - known internally as the S2200 - is to be based on the S2000 roadster, but will be a fixed-head coupé. Previously, bosses had said there would never be a tin-top version of the convertible. Inspired by the innovative S800 coupé - which was built as a sister car to the classic S800 roadster - the S2200 is likely to cost around £27,000. A strict two-seater, it's set to debut as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show late next year.
Powered by a high-revving, four-cylinder 250bhp 2.2-litre engine, the car will rival the likes of Mazda's RX-8 and the new Nissan 350Z. Speed and driveability are top of the list of priorities for Honda's top brass. And as a result, torque output will be impressive, with early indications suggesting the coupé will offer at least 235Nm.
Our insiders say adding a hard-top and glass rear window will mean the car tips the scales at about 1,320kg. However, we've been informed a sub-1,300kg figure is the goal. Despite the extra weight the metal roof will add, en- gineers still insist the car will be faster than the current S2000.
Early estimates suggest the S2200 will sprint from 0-60mph in around six seconds, and hit a top speed of more than 150mph.
Inside, the car will maintain the no-frills feel of the S2000, and include a digital dash and a starter button. Also on offer will be bucket seats, air-con and electric windows.
